Adjustable extension device



Jan. 8, 1952 1. B. ANDERSON ADJUSTABLE EXTENSION DEVICE Filed June 5. 1949 /N VE/VT OR n 5 G T y M. w M m ./7T 5% m Patented Jan. 8, 19 52 UNITED.,STATES PATENT OFFICE Irvin B. Anderson, Oneonta, N. Y.

Application June 3, 1949, Serial No. 96,839

1 Claim.

This invention relates to extension devices and, more particularly, to adjustable extensor devices adapted for use with ladders, ladder-like structures, or other supporting structures intended to be placed on non-planar, uneven or inclined surfaces.

Generally, it is an object of the invention to provide such a device which is economical to manufacture, simple yet sturdy and durable of construction, readily assembled, and adapted readily to be secured in place on a ladder, whereby such ladder can quickly be adjusted in position for use on irregular surfaces.

More specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide such a device which comprises a tubular hanger adapted to be secured to the bottom of a stile of a ladder, the hanger having longitudinally-spaced openings along its tubular portion, an elongated ,extensor, slidably mounted within the tubular portion of the hanger and also being provided with longitudinally-arranged openings spaced at different distances than the spaced openings in the hanger, whereby openings in the hanger and extensor can be brought into alignment and a locking element adapted to be inserted through the aligned openings to hold the extensor and hanger in fixed position.

. Another object of the invention is the provision of such a device comprising a hanger tube adapted to be secured to a stile of a ladder, the tube having an expandable extensor member slidably mounted therein, the hanger and member each having alignable openings therethrough, and means adapted to enter the openings and to expand the member against the inside walls of the tube.

Other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction, combination of elements, and arrangement of parts, which will be exemplifled in the construction hereinafter set forth and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the claims.

For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention, referencelshould be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is an elevational view of a device embodying the invention secured to the stile of a ladder and supporting the same in proper position on different levels;

' Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken along tion of the arrows;

Fig. 3.is an elevational view showing the hanger member and elongated extensormember sepa-'- rated from each other, more. cle-arly'to illustrate the invention; and

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the invention illustrating an expandable extensor member cooperatively connected with the hanger portion of the device.

Referring more particularly to the drawing, there is shown a tubular hanger ID having outwardly-directed wings II and I2 abutting the lower portion of a stile I3 of a ladder. The hanger is held in place against the stile by U-bolts I4 which pass around the stile, through the wings I I and I2, and tightly secured in this position by nuts and washers I5 and I6 respectively on the ends of the bolts.

The hanger has a longitudinal row of spaced holes I! extending substantially throughout its length on both sides thereof and in oppositely disposed relation.

Within the tubular portion of the hanger is an elongated extensor member I8 which, preerably, is also tubular in construction. This member fits snugly within the tubular hanger II), but in such a manner that it can be made to slide easily therein. The member I8 is also provided with longitudinally-spaced holes I 9 extending substantially throughout its length on both sides thereof and in oppositelydisposedrelation. 1 I

The spacing of the holes in the tubular hanger I0 and the extensor member I8 is of importance. For example, the holes I! in the hanger should be substantially equi-distantly' spaced, but the distances between these holes should be differ ent from the distances between the holes I9 in the member I8. The holes I9 should also be substantially equi-distantly spaced. Preferably, the distances between the holes I! are less than the distances between the holes I9. Assume for example, that the holes I! are spaced 1% inches apart, and that the holes I9 are spaced 2 inches apart. It will thus be possible-to obtain an adjustment of the extensor member I8 in the hanger I 0 Within A of an inch. This provides a very fine adjustment at the base of the ladder. However, a greaterrange of adjustment can be obtained depending upon the distance the extensor member I8 is moved through the hanger I0.

When the extensor member I8 has been moved through the tubular hanger I I), and it is felt that the rungs of the ladder will be substantially level when raised to upright position, certain of the holes in the hanger and the extensor will be brought into alignment. A locking pin 20 is then passed through the aligned holes in both memhers,v whereby the device will be securely locked in position. The ladder is then placed in upright position and any further slight adjustment can readily be obtained by withdrawing the pin and bringing succeeding holes of the extensor member and hanger into alignment and the pin re-inserted intsethenendy aligned holes..-

The end of the extensor member i8 may be provided with a suitable cup or cap 2 I, of flexible composition, such as rubber, to prevent slipping or marring of surfaces. Such a cap-.can-meadily be removed to expose the open end of the tubular side of the ex-tenscr tube tfi theeopeningss I59 are.

alsoof; the. same diameter as the openings. k1, whereby tor accommodate thepin 2:63. Howe er; the extensor: tube l8- is provided a longitmdinal seam; or slot2l opposite. the openingstd-n Along. thisseamare provided openings 22 which areofi smaller diameter thamthediameten of the. pin 20.; When; selected holes. as above. described, are brought: into; alignment, and-.the:pin-. 211 in serted therein, it will, as it enters thesopening; 22,. expand the extensor. tube I86 against the: inside walls; oi. the hanger. tube. so; that avers; tight fit is, provided. This eliminates: slap between the:

tubular members and at the sametima theeex tensor member t8 exerts alocki'ngaction, against thopini positiveiy holding. it in position.

Such-adevices has advantages The. aetion between tha parts;is:positive:andsafe;v No springs on'catches are required. Thedevice-can; quickly,- and-easilybe .attachedtolthe. stile on any standard. ladder without altering or weakening;

the. ladder structure. by drilling: holes therein and passing bolts therethnough to secure; the device.

4 in position. The device can instantly and simply be adjusted to very small variations in terrain, yet variations of any other desired magnitude can be obtained.

Since certain changes may be made in the above construction and diiferent embodiments of the invention could be made without departing from the scope thereof, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description or shown intlie accompanying, drawiiigishal-l be interpreted as illustrative-and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claim.- is intended to cover all of the generic and specific features of the invention herein described, and all statements of the scope of the invention which,,as a matter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

Having; described my invention, what I claim and. said extensor: tubefbeing different, whereby.

movement of; said extensor. tube. will. align openings therein with openings in the hanger tube, andalocking pin: oi greater: diameter than the 1 openings'along. said seams adapted. toenter said.

REFERENCES CITED The following references arewot. record.- in the:

- file of this patent:

UNITED s ns-mas: PATENTS? Leupen Nov; 1'7, 193]. 

